OBITUARY

Charles Waterhouse

Passed away on November 16, 2013

Colonel Charles Waterhouse, USMCR, 89, passed away early on Saturday morning, November 16th, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Toms River, NJ. Waterhouse was the first and only the artist-in-residence of the U.S. Marine Corps. He continued to paint until three weeks before his death.

A lifelong New Jersey resident, Waterhouse was a member of the Class of 1942 at Perth Amboy High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was attached to Company C 5th Engr. Bn. 5th Marine Division, FMF. On February 19, 1945 Waterhouse was seriously wounded during the first wave at Iwo Jima. Nerve damage resulted in him losing the feeling in most of his left hand. But there was no damage to the hand that would become his painting hand.

After the war, two pivotal events occurred in his life: he began attending classes at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, and he married the love of his life, Barbara Andersen. After graduating from the NSFIA, he stayed on at the school as a teacher and spent the next 28 years building a reputation as an illustrator for publications such as Outdoor Life, Readers Digest, Rutgers Press and the Boy Scouts.

Three tours of duty as a combat artist in Vietnam resulted in hundreds of on-the-spot drawings that were later turned into one large volume called Delta to DMZ. In 1973, at the age of 49, Waterhouse was brought back to active duty at the rank of major to create a series of 14 paintings of the Marines in the Revolution in celebration of the bicentennial. It was supposed to be a 9 month commission but the Marines had found “their Rockwell” and they kept him on until his retired on 19 February, 1991, the 46th anniversary of the landing on Iwo. By that time he had completed over 160 major works for the USMC, and had painted every campaign in the history of the Corps from its inception through Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After his retirement he continued to paint his beloved Marines. In 1999 the Colonel Charles Waterhouse Museum, a non-profit organization based in Toms River, was established. When the museum closed its doors, the majority of Waterhouse’s body of work was gifted to the United States Marine Corps.
In his final years, Waterhouse embarked on a series of paintings chronicling the USMC and Naval Medal of Honor recipients.

Predeceased by his devoted wife Barbara in 2009, the Colonel is survived by daughters Jane and Amy, son-in-law Gary Lotano, grandchildren Noelle, Matthew and his wife Melissa, and Baylen; great grandchildren Colin, Sam and Elle Charlie, and his Marines, to whom he was always faithful, and by his paintings, which will live forever. A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colonel Charles Waterhouse Scholarship for the Arts, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314.

REMEMBERING

Charles Waterhouse

Thomas Jeffords

Semper Fi Sir, may you take your rightful place guarding the streets of heaven.

Cpl Jeffords, T.M. USMC 1980-1986

Bob and Virginia DeWick

May 14, 2014

Mike Waters

March 26, 2014

George Dragan

January 19, 2014

I will always treasure the personal tour of his museum and art studio in Toms River that the Colonel gave me upon my return from Iraq in October 2003. He, his wife, and your family will remain in my prayers. May God rest his soul.

December 26, 2013

I would like to extend condolences on behalf of Col. Ed Fitzgerald, USMC ret.and our entire family. Ed passed away on Dec 12th. He was a friend of Col Waterhouse and many of his prints were prominently displayed in Ed's study. I personally me Col. Waterhouse on several occasions at several functions! He was a great Marine, artist and gentleman! My wife Lyn and I have Col. Waterhouse and his family in our prayers. I am confident that he had Col. Fitzgerald are together and the streets of heaven are a better place!Lyn (Fitzgerald) and Rick Lombardi

Mike Davis

December 11, 2013

My condolences to the Waterhouse family, was saddened to see the Obituary in the Marine Corps Times last week. When I was a young Midshipman in the 1980s, the NROTC unit at Penn State had an extra copy of Col Waterhouse's "Marines in the Revolution" prints, that I managed to get for myself- one of which hangs over my fireplace to this day. I've always been fascinated by his work & was privileged to meet him in Quantico in the mid-90s. Generations of Marines to come will enjoy the indelible mark his art left on our Corps.

S/F

LtCol M Davis

Stephen Percoskie

December 6, 2013

When I first meet Charlie in 1967 at NSFIA, I was a young vet who didn't have any direction in my life. In the course of three years the Colonel generosity and spirit changed my life, he trained and pushed me in the direction that greatly helped me.

He has been my mentor and friend for over 46 years. The Colonel will be greatly missed by all of us who have been touched by his life.

I am so sorry at his passing. He was a great artist and Marine Illustrator, our country has lost one of its great treasures.

Amy, Jane, I will never forget the kindness that your mother and father have shown me over the years. If you should ever need me for any reasons, please call.

His student and your friend

December 4, 2013

Carole {Geiling} and Ed SzepBloomfield New Jersey

Dear Jane and Amy, We were so very sorry to learn of your father's passing. He and your mom were not just good neigbors, but good friends also. While he was teaching at NSFIA your dad encouraged my parents to send me there. That's where I met my future husband and we both had him as a teacher. Many years later we visited his museum in Toms River with our children and he showed us some sculptures that he was creating. They were works of art, just like his paintings. He lived his life doing what he loved-painting and sketching, with your mom by his side. They were so proud of both of you and always spoke lovingly about you. Hold tight to your memories-they were two special people.Carole {Geiling} and Ed SzepBloomfield, New Jersey

Grace Campanaro

December 2, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jeanne (Geiling) Romano

December 2, 2013

Dear Jane and Amy......so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. He lived a long, wonderful and fulfilling life. Your family was undoubtedly the best neighbors anyone could have. When we were kids we posed for some of your Dad's illustrations. Your Mom was one of my favorite people and I always made a point of visiting your parents when I was visiting NJ. I have your Father to thank for steering my sister to attend NSFIA. That resulted in my meeting my husband there, who became an award winning art director and we just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. So much history between our two families. You were blessed with wonderful parents, and you blessed them in return.

November 28, 2013

I have meet the Col and always admired his work also. I have a personally signed painting of the first uniform that he presented to me at a luncheon in Keene, NJ. RIP Colonel.Doris Keane, USMC 1965-1966

November 28, 2013

Col. Waterhouse was not only an outsanding Marine,but a true gentleman.A few years back he along with his wife were kind enough to give my wife,and I a personel tour of his museum thatwas very nice...Semper Fi Col. USMCR Ret. Gysgt. R.Vogel

Daniel Cortez

November 25, 2013

Charlie was a great Marine hero and gifted artist. I was honored to know him and treasure one of his original paintings he gave me that hangs in a place of honor in my home from when he stayed with my family. I am proud to say we sponsored two art shows of Charlie's historic paintings and I am honored to have known him. He is a genuine piece of Marine Corps history.

Robert Mayers

November 22, 2013

Semper Fidelis Colonel Waterhouse,May fair winds and following seas carry you on your journey home.Our deepest sympathy to the Waterhouse family god bless.

Antoinette Babek

November 21, 2013

Your father will be missed by all he came in contact with. He was an amazing person. I am sorry for your loss.With love and sympathyAntoinette Babek

Judy Sawyer

November 21, 2013

I'll miss you Uncle Charlie!

November 20, 2013

My name is Mike Waters, it saddened he when I was told of the Col's death. I lost a good friend and techer. I was a student of his class of 1963. Please call me I would like to share photos & memories with you . 210-654-6687 san Antonio, TX May God Bless

November 20, 2013

As a friend of his daughter, Amy, I have recently had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Charles Waterhouse at his home. I am so happy that he was willing to give me a few minutes of his time. I will treasure those moments as having met a Great American Artist! My deepest condolences to you Amy and to your family. Your father has left you a wonderful legacy in his beautiful work, and God given talents.,You are in my prayers,Anita Holland

Robert Jordan

November 20, 2013

Evi and I pray God will ease the pain of your loss.Charlie was not only a great artist,Marine and human being, but a good friend and mentor to me. I miss our chats at the CC conferences.Maj Bob JordanMarine Illustrator1959-1968

November 19, 2013

TO THE WATERHOUSE FAMILY MY CONDOLENCE Giorgio Bernasconi

November 19, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

November 19, 2013

Colonel,

It was an honor and a privelege to work with you. Your art work was a wonderful thing, and your sense of humor and the glimmer in your eye will always be remebered.John McGarry

November 19, 2013

Semper Fi Colonel, Take your post commanding a Unit Guarding the Streets of Heaven. I will report when it is my turn to join my brothers for our final duty station.

Kimberly McDonough

November 19, 2013

Guard Heavens Gates with Pride Sir. Semper Fi

Darren Boyd

November 19, 2013

To the Waterhouse family, We are sad to hear of the passing of Col Waterhouse and are praying for your family during this time. His art, all of it, are some of the most amazing pieces in the art world. I have a few hanging in my office and I delight daily in the beauty of them. Fair winds and following sea, sir, I know that we will see many more of your sunsets to come.

Semper Fidelis,LtCol and Mrs. Darren Boyd

November 19, 2013

Dear Amy and Gary, I was very sad to read about your father's passing in today's paper. I always held him and his art in high regard. I am so glad that I was able to meet him years ago. I know your love surrounded and comforted him and your mother throughout their lives. May God bless you both.

Bob Florentine

November 19, 2013

Rest in peace Colonel, I will forever remember the visit s to your house with you pop and the drives to Quantico to deliver your paintings, the never failing breakfast stops on the Delaware turnpike , the good times, laughs and history you taught myself and my partner. Semper fi!

Robert Hall

November 18, 2013

A great artist and a great Marine. It was a privilege to meet him.

Semper Fidelis

Laura Ward

November 18, 2013

I had the honor of meeting Colonel Waterhouse when I was a young Lieutenant in Atlanta. He came to the Arts Festival and painted and talked to visitors about the importance of art in the Marine Corps. He was such a nice man and an incredible talent. My condolences to his family and friends. Fair Winds and Following Seas....Semper Fi.

November 18, 2013

On behalf of the Marines of MCL Detachment 1319,Manasquan NJ, I send our deepest regards and condolences to the Waterhouse family. His contributions to the Corps will never be forgotten, nor will his generosity to our detachment. Semper Fi Col Waterhouse. Fair winds and following seas, Sir. Molly Heaney, Commmandant, Det 1319.

Tom Palguta

November 18, 2013

Semper FI, Colonel. I will always be proud that we shared the same uniform and had the opportunity to meet you and tour the Museum. You are the reason it's called, "The Greatest Generation."

Margie Milne

November 18, 2013

Mr Waterhouse - one of instructors at NSFIA....he was a fine artist & teacher and was my favorite. I have a signed copy of his book of drawings that have a place of honor on my bookshelf. I am so sorry he is gone.

Gregg Hinlicky

November 18, 2013

I think you know how deeply the Colonel touched my heart. I will never forget the times we spent together. He was a truly great man. My deepest condolences to you family.

Linda Aubrey

November 18, 2013

Thank you Col Charles Waterhouse for your service. May you RIP. Semper Fi. Love your art. You will be missed

Anthony DeBiase

November 18, 2013

Colonel Waterhouse will be remembered forever, at least as long as we have a Marine Corps, a great man, a great Marine,God bless him. A.J.DeBiase USMC

MSgt Anne Kowalski

November 18, 2013

At the beginning of my Marine Corps career, I was presented with a copy of the Colonel's book of Marines during America's Revolutionary War, which I carried with me the rest of my career until retirement - and have on my coffee table now. The Marines have lost a courageous, talented, and tireless man whose works will continue to inspire generations. Semper Fi, Colonel.

Cpl Sabrina Messenger

November 18, 2013

I've always admired his work. This woman Marine's thoughts and prayers are with the family and for the repose of his soul.Semper Fidelis and Memory eternal.

patricia stuppiello

November 18, 2013

our prayers and thoughts are with all at this time. may the light guide all to peace. from the Kardos and Rasmussen family and Anna Audrey Rasmussen Kardos

Larry Mullane

November 18, 2013

Rest in Peace Colonel.

Semper Fidelis

William Doyle

November 18, 2013

Colonel Waterhouse will be missed by his many friends, and by the Marine Corps. His life's work in many paintings could be called, 'a portrait of the Corps'. We will remember him always.

William and Diana Doyle

November 18, 2013

Sincere sympathy to the Waterhouse familyMay God bless you and your family in thistime of your sorrow. Your loved one willbe remembered by many.

New Jersey

Bill Wilks

November 18, 2013

Thank you Colonel. On behalf of Marine Vietnam veterans Semper Fi!

ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ

November 18, 2013

Colonel, I wish that we had met. I would have told you of how you had enriched my life with your art in all the different duty stations of my life. Even at the times when I would be locked outside the SgtMaj's hatch waiting to get chewed out for something or other. God gave you a gift and you shared it with us. You will be missed. I hope we have your replacement in our ranks to carry the torch. He or she has got huge boots to fill. See you at the Pearlys. Semper Fi. MSgt A.P. Rodriguez (San Diego)

Annette Spurgeon

November 18, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family of a legend - every illustrator knew his name and admired him greatly. Semper Fidelis

charlie grow

November 18, 2013

We will miss you, sir. You were a good brother, mentor, and friend. Your beautiful family is in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fidelis

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